Zenith Data Systems ZKB-2R Not Recognized

[milesp]

Hello Everyone,

I've been reading this forum extensively for a few years, found lots of great stuff to get me going using old boards.

I've recently acquired a Zenith ZKB-2R and although the board doesn't particularly looks exciting, the green ALPS keys are amazing. And the red LEDS. Gotta have that. 

Anyway, from what I've read here, the layout is relatively standard that it should work fine with a simple adapter on a modern OS.
Mine doesn't. It is switched to AT mode, The At plug is connected to a AT > PS/2 converter and then PS/2 to USB (powered).

When I plug it in, all LEDs turn on but not a single key works. Doesn't chirp either. I'm using a model M on my iMac (OS X 10.11 El Capitan) with same powered adapter with no issues. I also have another AT to PS/2 adapter (not cable but single piece) and same result.

I don't think it's the AT > PS/2 adapter since I've got two models and neither work. Could it be the board itself that is defective?

Thanks for the help!

Here's a picture of the set-up:

[chyros]

Board doesn't look particularly exciting?!?!

[Mattr567]

I know the solution, ran into the same issue with my Zenith Z-150. The blue cube doesn't like Zeniths

This one works great https://www.amazon.com/Adesso-Adapter-connects-connectors-ADP-PU21/dp/B00008ZPED also has two plugs that works great w/ boards with built in trackballs or pads like my G80-11800

[milesp]

I know the solution, ran into the same issue with my Zenith Z-150. The blue cube doesn't like Zeniths

This one works great https://www.amazon.com/Adesso-Adapter-connects-connectors-ADP-PU21/dp/B00008ZPED also has two plugs that works great w/ boards with built in trackballs or pads like my G80-11800

Hah! Interesting. I'll get my hands on one of those and report back. Thank you!


Psst Chyros.. I'll take that back, and only complain instead about the dang backslash key positioned after the shift key. How 'bout that? 

[chyros]

Psst Chyros.. I'll take that back, and only complain instead about the dang backslash key positioned after the shift key. How 'bout that? 

Moving in the right direction, but it's a great layout as well, I'd say . Focus layout for the win!

[milesp]

All right I bought the one that Matt recommended (Adesso), and I've tried another one as well (Magic Dongle) and still the same. All LEDs light up, OS X opens up the new keyboard set-up window where you're supposed to hit the key next to shift and that's it.

It doesn't work. So I wonder if the board could be defective?

[Mattr567]

All right I bought the one that Matt recommended (Adesso), and I've tried another one as well (Magic Dongle) and still the same. All LEDs light up, OS X opens up the new keyboard set-up window where you're supposed to hit the key next to shift and that's it.

It doesn't work. So I wonder if the board could be defective?

Huh. Have you tried the board on Windows or Linux? It looks like the keyboard is detected since OSX see's its a keyboard but something else is causing interference. But it could just be picking up on the adapter and not the board itself. Check the cable and capacitors.

If nothing works I would be happy to take it off your hands. If its truly a bad keyboard I could probably fix it with a solder iron and a lot of time.

[klennkellon]

The blue cube can be a bit finnicky if you're converting from AT.

My old AT/XT FK-2001 didn't work when I used it, but my AT Model M works fine with it. It also doesn't work if I do a USB>PS2>USB

[milesp]

Huh. Have you tried the board on Windows or Linux? It looks like the keyboard is detected since OSX see's its a keyboard but something else is causing interference. But it could just be picking up on the adapter and not the board itself. Check the cable and capacitors.

If nothing works I would be happy to take it off your hands. If its truly a bad keyboard I could probably fix it with a solder iron and a lot of time.

I have a Surface Pro, I've tested my Model M with it, works great, but the Zenith is the same story with all LEDs on and nothing else, on all 3 adapters.

Also, upon opening the board, it doesn't look good in my opinion. I have a 70's Dodge with less rust than that. The two small chips at the top had a few legs with blue corrosion, so the defective board theory is reinforced IMO.

[Mattr567]

Huh. Have you tried the board on Windows or Linux? It looks like the keyboard is detected since OSX see's its a keyboard but something else is causing interference. But it could just be picking up on the adapter and not the board itself. Check the cable and capacitors.

If nothing works I would be happy to take it off your hands. If its truly a bad keyboard I could probably fix it with a solder iron and a lot of time.

I have a Surface Pro, I've tested my Model M with it, works great, but the Zenith is the same story with all LEDs on and nothing else, on all 3 adapters.

Also, upon opening the board, it doesn't look good in my opinion. I have a 70's Dodge with less rust than that. The two small chips at the top had a few legs with blue corrosion, so the defective board theory is reinforced IMO.

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Oh yea, thats likely the reason then. That sucks  Would you be interested in selling it? I would sink a lot of hours into it, soldering and sand blasting all that rust away etc.

[milesp]

Matt, I'm going to try an clean it up and take a deeper look at what's really going on in the guts of the board. If nothing succeeds, and I want to part with it, you'll be the first to know!

[pr0ximity]

Desoldering, sanding, and painting is a rewarding and meditative exercise 

[milesp]

Desoldering, sanding, and painting is a rewarding and meditative exercise 

Couldn't agree more.